Australia Day Awards 2022

Sorell Council’s 2022 Australia Day Awards were presented to recipients in a small but intimate ceremony on Tuesday 25 January.

These annual Awards are the highest honour Council can bestow on an individual or group for outstanding contribution to their local community.

The recipients for 2022 were:

Citizen of the Year – Diane Cusick

Starting her working career at the Sorell School farm, Di then became a teacher and taught at the school for many decades. She strongly supported the establishment of the Pioneer Village and also contributed to the Big Picture Program and the Sorell Trade Training Centre. Di was and is an active member of the Sorell School Association being Secretary, Treasurer and on the uniform committee amongst others. Di has contributed so much to Sorell School and the wider programs and is widely acknowledged in the community for her work with the school and still contributes in her retirement.

Young Citizen of the Year – Daniel Smith

Daniel Smith is the current President of Sorell Cricket Club and has been a dedicated committee member for the past 5 years. Daniel has been instrumental in coordinating and facilitating junior cricket programs ranging from Stage 1 and 2, Junior and Master Blast, to under 13 boys teams. Daniel has worked closely with Richmond and St Aiden’s Cricket Clubs to merge the 3 junior groups together to create a large junior base at Sorell. Last year Daniel was nominated and awarded Cricket Tasmania’s Young Leader of the Year. He then progressed to Cricket Australia’s Young Leader of the Year in their Community Cricket Awards, which again he was successful in winning.

Community Group of the Year – Sorell Men’s Shed

The Sorell Men’s Shed have a growing membership of approx. 70, with members coming from all areas of the Sorell Municipality. They are working hard to build new premises to continue their good community work. They play an important role in men’s health issues throughout the South East region by giving members a welcoming place to socialise, exchange skills and train others in different trades such as metal and wood work and the restoration of old and historic machinery. They also work with the Sorell School in assisting young people to learn age old trade skills, many of which are being lost.

Community Event of the Year – Sorell Community Christmas Carols (South East Tasmania Salvos)

In 2021 the Sorell Community Christmas Carols provided the community a fun and festive way of gathering to celebrate Christmas in a way which reflected and was respectful of the diverse views of Christmas held by the Sorell community. Active involvement of local community members was evident through musical support, pre-entertainment activities and event volunteering. It is estimated that 450 people attended the event which is a great result given the Coivd-19 environment of the time. Local food business owners attended to sell their products, which really added to the community feel of the night.

Congratulations to the recipients, as well as all the nominees. It’s a privilege and honour to be nominated and recognised for the outstanding work you do in your community.